22 November 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Tuesday 22 November 2016

Morning Prayer   

Psalm 51

The psalmist asks for God’s mercy for sins to be forgiven, transgressions blotted out. The psalmist admits that the sin was against God alone and God’s judgement is justified. Since God desires truth, the psalmist asks to be taught wisdom in his secret heart. The psalmist wants to experience joy and gladness again since his whole being is crushed in recognition of his sin. “Create in me a new heart, O God and put a right spirit within me” (v.10).

Zechariah 14: 12 – 21

Zechariah talks of a plague to come on the people (and their animals) who fight against Jerusalem. Those who survive will recognise the King and Lord of Hosts and worship in Jerusalem and keep the Festival of the Booths. The nations that do not go up to worship will experience drought and plague. On that day the bells on horses will be inscribed “Holy to the Lord”. The lowliest cooking vessels in the temple will be sacred to the Lord of hosts and there will be no traders in the house of the Lord.

Mark 1: 40 – 45

A leper comes to Jesus for healing in faith. Jesus sternly warns him to keep the healing quiet and go to the temple, present himself and be recognised as clean then make the appropriate thanks as Moses directed. But the leper tells everyone and therefore Jesus cannot enter a town openly but stays out in the countryside. Still people come to him from everywhere.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Ovens River
Harrietville Vic  L Osburn

Loving God, to you we are all precious and holy. Your love is abundant and eternal. Protect us in times of trouble and difficulty. Help us to meditate on you, come willingly into your presence, allow you to be in charge of our lives, be calm and follow your commandments so that we may grow in faith, sing your praise, recognise your presence, experience your joy, and have new hearts for you through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Tuesday 22 November 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalms 52 and 53

In the first psalm a person who trusts riches and seeks refuge in wealth and who is mischievous and plots destruction is warned that God will respond. In comparison, those who trust in God are like a green olive tree, trusting in the steadfast love of God and praising God.

The second psalm is about those who do not believe and who do evil. God’s response to them will be terrifying. The psalmist prays for the people to be delivered and for their fortunes to be restored.

Wisdom 8: 21 – 9: 18

Solomon asks for God’s wisdom to be with him so that he may learn what is pleasing to God, be wisely guided in his actions, judge the people justly and be worthy of the throne. “Who has learned your counsel, unless you have given wisdom and sent your holy spirit from on high?” (v.17).

Revelation 11: 15 - 19

The seventh angel blows the trumpet. Loud voices proclaim that the world is now the Kingdom of God and his Messiah who will reign forever. The 24 elders fall and worship God praising him that now is the time for judging the dead and rewarding all God’s servants and saints great and small and for destroying those who destroy the earth. Then God’s temple in heaven is opened and the Ark of the Covenant seen within. The noise is like thunder, earthquake and heavy hail.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Gum tree reaching heavenward
Victoria Park Adelaide SA
L Osburn

Holy and mighty God your great love for us abounds. Help us reflect on today. Help us to see where we are in your realm from the beginning of all things to the final coming of your Kingdom: your moment of judgement and reward. Be with us in this moment. Help us to choose your wisdom and Holy Spirit to teach us and guide us all the days of our lives so that we are welcome in your presence through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.